TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A tragic incident occurred at a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday where eleven people were stabbed, with six in critical condition, in what appears to be a random act of violence according to Michigan sheriff. The suspect is in custody, authorities confirmed.
At around 4:45 p.m., a 42-year-old man entered the store and used a folding knife to attack 11 individuals, as reported by the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office on social media. A sheriff’s deputy quickly arrived at the scene and apprehended the suspect, with assistance from others in the store who also helped treat the victims.
The ages of the victims have not been disclosed at this time.
“Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more,” Sheriff Michael Shea expressed to reporters.
Emergency responders gathered in the shopping center’s parking lot, where the incident took place, while authorities conducted interviews and initiated an investigation.
Tiffany DeFell, a resident from Honor, shared her experience witnessing the chaos unfold in the parking lot, describing it as a frightening and unexpected event.
Munson Healthcare confirmed that 11 individuals were being treated at the region’s largest hospital, with all of them being victims of the stabbing. Six were in critical condition and five were in serious condition as of late Saturday.
Shea mentioned that the weapon used in the attack was a folding-style knife. The suspect is believed to be a Michigan resident, although further details have not been disclosed. Michigan State Police had earlier confirmed that the suspect was in custody.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her thoughts, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.”
Walmart released a statement expressing their commitment to collaborating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
“Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders,” the statement read.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also mentioned on social media that bureau officials were providing necessary support in response to the incident.
Traverse City, known for its cherry festival, wineries, and lighthouses, is a popular vacation spot situated on the coast of Lake Michigan. The city is located about 25 miles east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
